REVIEW ROUNDUP: “Present Laughter” Opened with a ShowScore of 78

“Present Laughter,” written by Noel Coward and directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, opened on April 5, 2017 in New York City.

CRITICS REVIEWS

23 critics reviewed the show, resulting in a weighted average of 74.

Ben BrantleyThe New York TimesShowScore: 80
“An uneven but enjoyable production…Let us give thanks for what Mr. Kline, embodying the capricious god of his own theatrical universe, has wrought. It is hard not to wish that the heavy farcical high jinks that surround him were on his high level…The staging by Mr. von Stuelpnagel brings out the more boisterous aspects of Coward’s comedy, occasionally to hilarious, but just as often labored, ends. And the pace needs to be picked up throughout.”

David CoteTime Out New YorkShowScore: 90
“An absolutely splendid revival…The simple act of handing America’s greatest exemplar of comic suavity a role he was born to play is half the battle…Kline is the very model of a star who lets his brilliance illuminate everyone around him…He enlivens each moment with palpable zest and impeccable style, arrogant brio shading into middle-aged insecurity with a twitch of his perfectly trimmed mustache. He must do more Coward or share his secrets.”

Marilyn StasioVarietyShowScore: 90
“A delicious drawing-room comedy…Kline relishes the comic challenge in this snazzy production…Director von Stuelpnagel has assembled a cast of reliable pros who know the drill so well they could pace it out in their sleep. The lesser-skilled younger actors should study the technique of these veterans and bless their lucky stars for the opportunity to do so. Kristine Nielsen, who plays Garry’s secretary, Monica Reed, constitutes a master class.”

MEMBER REVIEWS

The show was also reviewed by 192 Show-Score members, whose collective ShowScore is a weighted average of 78.

Top five adjectives describing the show:
Funny, Great acting, Entertaining, Delightful, Dated

ZORAYDA M,
ShowScore: 75
See it if…"You want to see Kevin Kline playing an aging playboy in a delightful play that is both funny and absurd. The rest of the cast is great too." Don't see it if…"You are looking for something profound, inspiring, or heartfelt. This play is just silly and fun."

JasonBKLYN,
ShowScore: 75See it if…"Mr. Kline was magnetic and entrancing! Kate Burton was fantastic! Top-notch cast delivering Coward's witty play. Fantastic energy in Act 2!"Don't see it if…"You aren't up for a slow setup to a play with really no ending. Act 2 has some excitement but most of the play is snarky, silly and pompous."

Jeremy West,
ShowScore: 90 See it if…"You love classic slapstick comedy and entertaining characters. I haven't laughed so much in months! Kline was born to play this role." Don't see it if…"You aren't a fan of dry, British humor or the classic style of slow and repetitious comedies. Not all accents are quite believable."